Yeehaw! I love me my sunlight–although I do tend to whine if it gets too hot outside.

This morning, I decided to try something a little different re: my meditation time, so I sat on the deck in one of the rocking chairs (it’s been too rainy to do that for quite some time now), listened to Gregorian chants (basically priests singing in Latin) and watched the sky change. And it was a marvelous show–some of the clouds were pearly gray underneath, while others might have been swabbed with the most delicate of watercolors, pink and gold and pale apricot among the many shades and hues. As if that wasn’t grand enough, a great spill of light spiraled through the various layers, like a stairway to–or from–Heaven itself. Glorious!

As you may have guessed, my personal spirituality seems to be evolving–not away from Christianity, it’s the Man from Galilee for me, now and forever–but deeper into the faith. I think I may be a closet mystic, in fact. And I do apply some of the tenets of other belief systems–for instance, the Buddhist focus on mindfulness and breathing is working magic in my life. I love the poets, Hafiz and Rumi, because of the beautiful way they portray a relationship with God–and yet both were Sufis, if I’m not mistaken. There is always something new to learn–if I’m not afraid.

Afraid of what? Well, I can admit it, sometimes I’m scared to death of the Old Testament God. He reminds me of Zeus, to be truthful, flinging thunderbolts, crumbling mountains, unleashing earthquakes and floods, keeping track of every mistake, always ready to pour out plagues and pestilences if the mood strikes. Definitely not Somebody I’d want to cross. And yet–there is this yearning coming through, as well, a longing to be in harmony with His creation. Enter Jesus, God in the body of a human being. To me, it’s one thing if God sends His perfect Son to die a brutal death, but it’s quite another if He came Himself, in person, isn’t it?. (This is what I believe. You’re free, of course, to believe whatever you want. )

25 comments to “Sunshine Returns to Spokaloo”

I once read somewhere that religion and myth are man’s way of explaining the universe to ourselves and that all religions are actually one intersecting and growing spiritual journey, that we take and travel with everyone else in this universe. That the “powers that be” regardless of what we call them and which religion we follow are helping us evolve and grow as beings and to live in harmony with the earth and universe….. I know there will be flack about this statement, but it makes sense to me.

You’ll catch no flack from me – couldn’t have said it better myself! I’m on a “spiritual high” myself this morning. I attended our church’s “Camp Share” service last night and watched and rejoiced as 155 middle and high school students were baptized! It was amazing!

I finally got Big Sky Summer from my local library. It will be perfect “beach reading” while we’re on vacation next week! Can’t wait!

HI, Linda. Can you send any of the sunshine over towards Seattle? So sick of the rain – my flowers are drowning and the petals are brown. It’s hard to be upbeat when the weather is so depressing. I am so incredibly blessed in every other way, I guess I’ll just put up with it and be grateful it’s not a hurricane.

I think it’s great to learn about other religions and other aspects of living. As long as God is your *only* God, as He has said in the Bible many times. I find trying to figure out everything in the Bible a big enough challenge – and I’ve been studying it for 50+ years! But you are right, there’s a lot of interesting philosophies out there, many of which enhance what we already believe.

I want to belatedly express my condolensces about your recent family passing. I hope the family finds comfort in good memories.

Enjoy your sunshine and happy writing! Thanks for giving us a new book to look forward to every few months.

No flack here, just a hardy AMEN, sister!! Bless you for announcing your faith in the one true God!! He will never leave you or forsake you :). In this ever more hostile world toward Christians, it takes courage to stand up for your beliefs. I admire you greatly & pray for more courage myself.
Have a very blessed day, Lady
SherryNan

This has nothing to do with your post…I’m just finishing listening to A Wanted Man. Next is The Rustler. I read it when it came out, but I’m going to listen to it now on my way to/from work. Then The Bridegroom.

I was shocked when I was looking for another book to listen to and I realized I had not 1 or 2 shelves of LLM books, but 4!!! The first book I ever bought was the first in the Orphan Train series, Lily and the Major. I was hooked from there on. But my most favorite book is A Man from Stone Creek. I love Sam O’Ballivan and Maddie.

Keep up the good work, Linda. Your books make me happy…when will you go back to the past? I like the old cowboy books best.

Father (heavenly), Son (human, corporeal), Holy Spirit (comforter on earth).

Why should you take flack for youor own beliefs? I think that’s why we have problems here on earth.

Our task as Christians, after Salvation, is to tell others by word and deed, what Christ offers. If others accept, great! If not, then it is their choice. We go on our way, praying for them and being available if they should want to ask future questions.

I’m afraid some folks got the idea that we’re supposed to drag others into belief by yelling they’re going to hell if they don’t believe. That’s judging another’s soul. Not our place. It scares people off becaus ethen they see the Old Testament God. I often wonder if the disobedience of the Israelites (and pagans) made Him angry much like parents get frustrated and angry when our children don’t obey?

I love sitting on the porch watching God’s creations, human, flora and fauna. Of course, I live in the FL panhandle so our weather is more apt to cooperate than yours.

Loved reading your blog today. Glad the sun has returned to your area, its shining here too. My new rose tree is blooming and looking beautiful.
I believe in the Holy Trinity so can understand what you’re saying and yes we all can believe in and how we want. Blessings, Linda.

I agree with you on that Linda. Jesus is described that way in the New Testament. God coming to earth in a human body to experience what we imperfect humans do, and sacrificing himself for the benefit and salvation of human kind and therefore being rewarded with a name above others.

I like your thinking and reasoning. Sometimes I see the Old Testament the same way but when I read the New Testament correlation it all makes sense. The Trinity is the only way to believe. Have a great day and continue on your spiritual path-mine gives me hope and inner peace. I pray for you to have the same.

You are so totally awesome. I agree with you on being afraid of the Old Testament God. I grew up Southern Baptist, most of what I remember about the sermons was lots of LOUD admonishing loud talking and banging. But God himself came down to show us how much he loves us. He is LOVE.

Yes, i am glad that i don’t live back in the time of the Old Testament,with the different plague that were cast upon the people their rules that you had to go by or be thrown in prison. Some times they would even give one of their family member as a sacrificial gift. I am so glad that God love us some much that He gave the sacrificial gift of His only begotten SON to die on the cross for us so we can have eternal life! There is no greater LOVE than that!!! God bless each and everyone!
As always you friend,
Norma

Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the father.” That tells me that God himself died for me. I don’t understand how that can be, but I believe it by faith. He loved us so much that he was willing to die so we can have eternal life. That is awesome and worthy of all praise and honor and glory.

I am so blessed by your posts and challenged to live for God and be a blessing to(i.e. LOVE) those around me- even when those around me aren’t loveable. Keep up the writing & may God’s light continue to shine through all that you write/share!
From a sister in the Faith, Sybel Diane ♪

BE STILL AND KNOW I AM GOD!!!!! love all posts and really enjoying State Secrets!!! Its summer so my kids are taking up alot of my reading time with camp and VBS but I cant complain ( can I ) ????? That is a little selfish but i miss my reading time. Instead of getting a few chapters in I’m lucky if I get one!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!! We are going to the lake with some friends to go Boating so I’m looking forward to it!!!!

Wow. You reminded me of something I left behind and didn’t realize how much I miss it. I have never felt as spiritually connected as when I was meditating. I got out of the habit when my son was growing up – He’s 35 now. I think this was a gentle reminder to get back to it. Thanks. I liked meditating with the Gregorian chants, but my favorite was this one: Aeoliah – Angel Love CD from 1985. I used it when I used to give Reiki treatments as well. Very relaxing. My CD is stuck in my CD player right now. Guess if my husband can’t get it out, I’ll have to buy another one. Thanks for your books – my brother and I fight over who gets to buy the book as soon as it comes out cause the other one has to wait a day or two to read it. Yes, my BROTHER. He’s as big a fan as I am. Yeah, I was surprised too. Much love sent your way.

Linda I love your post, so no flack here. I so glad that you can express how you feel with your beliefs on religion. I’m Catholic went to Catholic grade school and I do believe in God. He will one day, probably sooner than what people think, in form for judgement day. You’re right the Old Testament is scary if you think about it. This afternoon (Sat.) when we were coming home I was looking at the sky with the clouds. They were big, white, fluffy and layered like what you expect God to come to earth through. I made that comment and my other half agreed. I said you know God is angry with all of us. With all the bad weather, tornados, draught, rain, etc, even the killings, people fighing with each other. I said I don’t blame him, there’s no peace in this world, sit back and think about it.
Look your books, I agree with Sharon S. and Connie Johnson we need more Cowboy stories Good Luck on your writing. .

THANK YOU LINDA AND JENNIE…THE BOOKS ARRIVED. I LOOK FORWARD TO READING BOTH OF THEM. WHEN I’M DONE I WILL DONATE YOUR NOVEL TO OUR LOCAL LIBRARY.

I’LL STICK MY FOOT IN HERE RE: RELIGION ALSO. I THINK YOU ARE VERY SMART TO BE WARY OF A GOD THAT HAS ALL THOSE NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES. BUT! REMEMBER, THE OLD TESTAMENT WAS WRITTEN BY A BUNCH OF MEN THAT WANTED TO KEPT THE PEASANTS IN LINE. RULING BY FEAR IS THE EASIEST MANNER. I WORKED THAT OUT WHEN I WAS ABOUT EIGHT YEARS OLD; A GOOD GOD WOULD NOT BEHAVE THAT WAY. AND I BELIEVE THE CREATOR IS A GOOD GOD.